The denim industry has a new French player. After years of dominance by Americans and Italians with labels like Diesel and True Religion, newcomer Stone Aged debuted their first two collections last week at the Musée de l’Homme. Designer Laurent Bendele, who has returned to Paris after ten years of denim design in L.A. and Miami, is passionate about making his jeans distinctive in terms of quality and details.
“I am inspired by raw, almost medieval details, that are based on a warrior spirit that translates to everyday; from ancient Greek mythology to the Crusades,” says Bendele.
The two collections, Autumn/Winter 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008, offer around 40 styles, for men and women, with prices ranging from 85 to 120 euros (finally jeans at a reasonable price!). Each model comes in a choice of three cuts, with names such as Aphrodite, Achilles, and Ulysse. Details include bronze grommets, faux-ruby and onyx buttons, and golden embroidery.
The Stone-Aged show opened to the soundtrack of Le Mepris(1963). In the front rows were a few French celebs, including Danny Brilliant, who performs this week to a sold out audience at the Palais de Congres.
Stone Aged is available at Kiliwatch. 64 rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris..
